Is Ankara Worth Visiting? 7 Reasons Why The Answer Is Yes!

Absolutely, Ankara is worth your time! As Turkey’s capital, it offers affluent historical sites without Istanbul’s crowds, including the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and Anıtkabir. You’ll experience authentic Turkish culture in neighborhoods like Hamamönü, taste diverse local cuisine, and witness the nation’s political heart. The city also serves as an ideal base for exploring Central Anatolia’s treasures. Discover why this deliberately designed capital has become Turkey’s hidden gem.

Good To Know

• Ankara boasts rich historical sites including the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Anıtkabir mausoleum, and Ottoman-era architecture without tourist crowds.
• The city offers authentic Turkish culinary experiences from street food to fine Ottoman cuisine at places like Boyacizade Konağı.
• As Turkey’s political center, Ankara provides unique insights into the nation’s modern history through museums and government buildings.
• Ankara serves as an excellent base for exploring Central Anatolia’s archaeological treasures and natural landscapes.
• Traditional neighborhoods like Hamamönü and Beypazarı showcase preserved Ottoman houses and local crafts for culture.

7 Reasons Why Ankara Is Worth Visiting

While many travelers to Turkey head straight for Istanbul or coastal resorts, Ankara offers a compelling alternative that’s packed with attractions. The city expertly balances modern Turkish identity with ancient heritage, giving you access to both worlds.

Discover Ankara: where modern Turkey meets ancient heritage in one captivating, overlooked destination.

You’ll discover remarkable archaeological treasures at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, explore the historical significance of Anıtkabir, and enjoy panoramic city views from Ankara Castle.

The blend of Ottoman and Roman architecture at sites like Hacı Bayram Mosque offers unique cultural insights. The mosque reflects late Ottoman architecture with its ornamental wood ceilings and beautiful floral motifs.

For memorable experiences, wander the restored Ottoman houses in Hamamönü, sample local specialties like Ankara tavası, or take in a performance at the State Opera House.

Day trips to UNESCO-listed Hattuşa or the historic town of Beypazarı round out your visit perfectly. If you’re looking to experience Turkish nightlife, Ankara offers a vibrant scene that rivals some of Cyprus’ party destinations without the overwhelming tourist crowds.

The Remarkable Story of Turkey’s Modern Capital

Unlike many capital cities with centuries of governmental heritage, Ankara’s rise to prominence as Turkey’s capital is a relatively recent and fascinating transformation. When Mustafa Kemal Atatürk chose this ancient Anatolian settlement as the heart of the new Turkish Republic following World War I, he set in motion one of history’s most ambitious urban reinventions.

You’ll discover a city purposefully divided between Ulus (the old quarter) with its Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman treasures, and Yenişehir (the new city) where government buildings and foreign embassies cluster. This area became the modern center around Kızılay, transforming from a small provincial town into a cosmopolitan hub. Just as Dubrovnik offers clear waters ideal for exploring underwater treasures, Ankara presents its own kind of clarity through its intentional urban design. This planned metamorphosis from small town to modern metropolis represents Turkey’s bold leap toward modernity while honoring its prosperous past.

Walking through Ankara, you’re witnessing the physical embodiment of a nation’s rebirth and reinvention.

Uncrowded Access to World-Class Museums and Historical Sites

The greatest advantage of exploring Ankara’s cultural treasures lies in what you won’t find—crowds. While Turkey hosts 552 museums nationwide with 55.7 million annual visitors, Ankara’s world-class institutions remain pleasantly accessible.

Experience Ankara’s magnificent museums without the usual tourist hustle—Turkey’s best-kept cultural secret awaits.

You’ll explore the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations (1997’s European Museum of the Year) without the queues that plague Istanbul attractions. Housing artifacts from Paleolithic to Roman eras, it’s set in a beautifully restored 15th-century Ottoman market.

Don’t miss Anıtkabir, where you can appreciate both the striking Neoclassical-Seljuk architecture and the War of Independence Museum without fighting for space. Unlike the European destinations of Austria and Norway, Ankara offers a uniquely authentic cultural experience with far fewer travelers.

The Ethnography Museum, once Atatürk’s temporary tomb, displays Ottoman textiles and crafts, while Cumhuriyet Müzesi chronicles the Republic’s founding years—all without the tourist throngs of Hagia Sophia. The museum’s collection includes impressive displays of archaeological materials which represent 27.6% of Turkey’s museum artifacts nationwide.

A Perfect Base for Exploring Central Anatolia

Situated ideally in the heart of Turkey, Ankara serves as the perfect launchpad for adventures throughout Central Anatolia. From here, you’ll have easy access to diverse provinces like Konya, Kayseri, and Eskişehir, each offering unique cultural experiences and historical treasures.

The city’s well-developed transportation infrastructure makes exploration effortless. With extensive rail connections, metro lines, and bus networks, you can comfortably reach stunning landscapes and ancient sites scattered across the region.

Whether you’re heading to the Temple of Augustus or venturing to scenic vistas where rivers converge, your journeys begin conveniently in Ankara.

The capital’s strategic location at the edge of the Anatolian plateau puts you within reach of varied terrains and climates, making it an efficient hub for experiencing Central Turkey’s opulent tapestry. This historic city, once known as Angora throughout much of European history, connects you to sites spanning from Hittite settlements to Byzantine monuments.

Many travelers find themselves torn between Mediterranean destinations when planning their trips, but Central Anatolia offers a distinctive alternative to coastal experiences.

Experience Authentic Turkish Culture Away From Tourist Traps

While Istanbul dazzles visitors with its postcard-worthy attractions, Ankara offers something more precious—an authentic Turkish experience untainted by mass tourism.

In Hamamönü and Beypazarı, you’ll wander among beautifully restored Ottoman houses where artisans demonstrate traditional crafts passed through generations. Stop at family-run eateries serving regional specialties like Ankara tava and höşmerim that you won’t find in guidebooks. Unlike Croatia’s hedonistic nightlife spots, Ankara provides a more culturally immersive evening experience with traditional entertainment.

The city’s museums tell Turkey’s complete story, from Paleolithic relics at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to revolutionary history at Atatürk Mausoleum. Many visitors opt for private walking tours that skip mundane historical sites in favor of personalized, insightful experiences.

For evening entertainment, skip overpriced tourist shows and head to Gedikli Meyhane for mezes and live fasıl music, or catch an affordable performance at CSO Ada Ankara, where locals—not travelers—fill the seats.

Witness The Heart of Turkish Politics and Governance

Few cities offer the chance to witness a nation’s political heartbeat up close, but Ankara functions as an exception. You’ll find Turkey’s political power concentrated in the grand Bakanlıklar district, where the modern Grand National Assembly stands proudly despite damage sustained during the 2016 coup attempt.

History buffs will appreciate the evolution of Turkish democracy through three distinct parliamentary buildings. The original parliament now serves as the War of Independence Museum, while the second houses the Museum of the Republic in Vedat Tek’s stunning neoclassical design. Today’s parliament offers visitors a glimpse into Turkey’s democratic processes, with the assembly comprising 600 elected members who serve five-year terms representing the nation’s 81 provinces. After exploring Turkish politics, you can experience the country’s rich culinary heritage which, unlike Swedish food culture, features more spices and Mediterranean influences.

Don’t miss touring “The Fortress,” the sprawling National Intelligence Organization headquarters, or exploring the Ministry of National Defense complex, which manages Turkey’s 370,000 military personnel and $26.6 billion defense budget.

Unexpectedly Diverse Culinary Scene

Most travelers don’t expect Ankara to be a culinary hotspot, yet the capital city offers a remarkably diverse food scene that extends far beyond typical Turkish fare. From traditional meat-centric staples to elegant fine dining and surprising vegetarian options, Ankara’s restaurants cater to every palate and budget. The city showcases rich Turkish flavors that have developed through centuries of cultural exchange and imperial influence.

1. Street food adventures – Sample köfte ekmek (meatball sandwiches) near Ulus district, grab simit (sesame bread rings) from ubiquitous carts, or try midye dolma (stuffed mussels) around Kızılay Square. For a unique street food experience, seek out Abi Esat’s van near Bilkent University offering rare and delicious antrikot with cheese alongside traditional köfte.
2. Fine dining experiences – Visit Trilye for Chef Süreyya Üzmez’s seafood delicacies or Boyacizade Konağı for Ottoman cuisine in a historical mansion with live fasil music.
3. Cultural fusion plates – Taste dishes blending Turkish techniques with international flavors, reflecting Ankara’s diplomatic community and cross-cultural influences.

The Sum Up

Ankara functions as Turkey’s beating heart, a city where ancient walls whisper stories that tourist brochures don’t tell. You’ll find yourself captivated by its authenticity – the kind that can’t be manufactured for visitors. When you leave, you’ll carry more than photos; you’ll take with you the true pulse of modern Turkey, a rhythm that continues long after you’ve returned home. Don’t miss what others overlook.